From Lehman to Harvard, with a virtual visit to China in-between, Lamount Evanson’s ’21 story began in Antigua and Barbuda before moving to the U.S. when he was 18. Majoring in chemistry at Lehman, he soon developed a passion for research and a focus on public health, particularly in communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Although he had his sights set on medical school, in his senior year he decided to take a brief detour by applying for the highly competitive Schwarzman Scholars program, an elite China-based graduate fellowship leading to a master’s degree in global affairs. Only 200 applicants, at most, are chosen worldwide and Evanson was the first Lehman student and just one of a few CUNY students ever to win the award. Having grown immensely from that experience, he applied and was accepted to the doctoral program in virology at Harvard University, which he began in August. (The interview has been lightly edited for brevity.)

 
What did you bring away from the Schwarzman program, and how are you applying it now?

As a Schwarzman Scholar, I was able to develop a better understanding of global affairs and expand my knowledge on health policy as I crafted my capstone project, which was a comparative study of the HIV/AIDS response in China and the Caribbean. Through various classes, workshops and seminars, I was able to reflect on my journey and experiences and develop my capacity for leadership. 

What has changed since you graduated from Lehman?

When I graduated, my goal was to earn an M.D.-Ph.D. and become a physician-scientist. However, I soon realized that I was not as passionate about medicine as I thought and refocused my energy on earning my Ph.D. and working towards becoming a virologist and vaccinologist. But I am still dedicated to becoming a leader in STEM, and serving as a role model for other LGBTQ+ and POC students who want to pursue similar careers. I also want to demonstrate that there are many other STEM careers outside of medical practice worth pursuing.

How did Lehman prepare you for Harvard?

Lehman provided me with a solid foundation in the chemical and biological sciences, and placed me in a position where I could work on my professional and scholarly development outside the classroom. By working with Dr. Alice Augustine at the Office of Prestigious Awards and my professors, who have all become mentors, I was able to secure several funded summer research experiences, which boosted my graduate school applications. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Donna McGregor in the Department of Chemistry, who gave me my first research experience and encouraged me to pursue a career as a scientist.

I would also like to give a shoutout to the family I made when I worked as a research technician in Dr. Jonathan Lai’s lab at Albert Einstein College of Medicine over the past two years. I met Dr. Lai at a recruiting session held by Lehman’s Office of Career Services.

What has your experience at Harvard been like so far?

I was extremely nervous on my first day of orientation, and afterward I texted my mom and said ‘Your son is really at Harvard!’. I am still in disbelief. I never dreamt that this was a possibility, and I am so grateful for all of the people who played a role in getting me here.

Now I am trying to get accustomed to being in a classroom again. I really enjoy how small and close knit my program is—only 11 students—and the opportunity to work with nationally recognized researchers is amazing.

What are you looking forward to this semester?

I can’t wait to rotate into the lab of Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire, one of the scientists who played a crucial role in the creation of Moderna’s COVID vaccine. And I am excited about my own development as an independent researcher over the next few years.

Do you have any advice for current Lehman students interested in pursuing a doctorate in STEM?

Stay true to your authentic self and try your hardest not to compare yourself to others. You may not have access to the same resources that larger institutions have, but you have the power of Lehman backing you. Don’t just focus on your grade point average but engage with your community and actively find ways to boost your scholarly and professional experiences. No matter where you decide to apply for your doctorate, they are all looking for individuals who have engaged with their field extensively outside of coursework.